Hello and thank you for visiting. My name is Erik Sorto, and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University. I transferred to ODU after earning my Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity from Tidewater Community College, graduating Cum Laude.
I am also a U.S. Navy veteran, having served seven years on active duty. After leaving the military in 2017, I pursued a career as a massage therapist while continuing to nurture a long-standing interest in technology. Since I was young, I have always enjoyed working with computers, troubleshooting devices, and learning how systems operate.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I transitioned into IT work as a Computer Technician specializing in IT Asset Disposition and Management in Chantilly, Virginia. In this role, I worked with data centers, Department of Defense facilities, and private companies to inventory, test, repair, and securely process enterprise IT equipment for compliant disposal. This experience exposed me to large-scale IT environments and strengthened my technical foundation working with desktops, laptops, networking hardware, and enterprise systems.
In 2023, I made the decision to return to school and pursue cybersecurity as a long-term career. At the time, cyberattacks, ransomware incidents, and major data breaches were dominating the news, and I felt strongly motivated to contribute to protecting organizations and critical infrastructure from these threats.
Today, I am continuing my cybersecurity education at Old Dominion University while gaining real-world experience as a government contractor in the cybersecurity and IT sector. Working within government and defense environments allows me to apply the concepts I learn in school to real operational systems and security practices.
Through my coursework, certifications, and professional experience, I have developed strong interests in cybersecurity operations, digital forensics, and security analysis, and I remain open to exploring different areas of cybersecurity as I gain more hands-on experience in the field.
My long-term goal is to build a career contributing to protecting critical systems and investigating cyber threats, while continuing to grow professionally within the cybersecurity community.
Current Academic Status
- B.S. Cybersecurity Student – Old Dominion University | Graduating in May 2026
- Current GPA: 3.66
- Dean’s List
- A.A.S. Cybersecurity – Tidewater Community College (Cum Laude)
- CompTIA Security+ Certified
- CompTIA Network+ Certified
Feel free to explore my ePortfolio and reach out if you’d like to discuss cybersecurity trends, industry insights, or collaborative projects or opportunities!